Case 2: 75-Year-Old Non-English Speaking Female Recently ✓ Solved

Case #2: 75-year-old non-English speaking female recently

This chapter explains the physical examination techniques of inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. This chapter also explores special issues and equipment relevant to the physical exam process. In this assignment, you will consider the health issues and risks relevant to a 75-year-old non-English speaking female who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer.

You are required to explain the health issues and risks related to this case. Describe additional information you would need to further assess her weight-related health. Identify and describe any risks and consider what further information you would need to gain a full understanding of her health. Consider how you could gather this information in a sensitive manner, particularly taking into account the potential sensitivities of the patient and her caregivers.

List at least three specific questions you would ask about the patient to gather more information. Also, provide at least two strategies you could employ to encourage her parents or caregivers to be proactive about her health and weight. You will need to complete a 4-page paper, not including title and reference pages.

Paper For Above Instructions

Breast cancer remains one of the significant health concerns for older women, especially for those who face language barriers and other healthcare access issues. In this paper, we will discuss the relevant health issues and risks facing a 75-year-old non-English speaking female recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The focus will be on understanding how her unique circumstances affect her health, the importance of effective communication, and strategies to enhance her overall well-being.

Understanding Health Issues and Risks

The primary health issue at hand is breast cancer, which poses various risks and complications, including but not limited to emotional distress, physical pain, and concerns regarding treatment options. These challenges are compounded by her age, as older patients may have other comorbidities, making treatment more complex (Dains et al., 2019). Additionally, language barriers can prevent her from seeking necessary care and understanding medical instructions or recommendations, resulting in delays in treatment and poorer health outcomes (Chaudhry & Nisar, 2017).

To further assess this patient’s health-related risks, we must consider her baseline weight, nutritional status, and lifestyle factors. Older adults may experience weight loss due to cancer-related cachexia or other age-related factors (Martin et al., 2014). Understanding her dietary habits, level of physical activity, and social support systems would provide deeper insights into her health. This information would enable healthcare providers to tailor interventions that address her specific needs effectively.

Gathering Further Information

To gain a comprehensive understanding of this patient's health and weight-related issues, I would require the following additional information:

  • Her current weight and history of weight changes over the past six months.
  • A detailed account of her dietary intake and any challenges she faces in maintaining a balanced diet.
  • Existing medical conditions that may complicate her cancer treatment and weight management.

Gathering this information should be done sensitively. It is important to establish rapport with the patient and her caregivers. Techniques such as using a translator or bilingual healthcare professional can facilitate effective communication (Gibbs & Chapman-Novakofski, 2012). Beginning conversations with open-ended questions can also help ease patients into discussing more personal health matters.

Questions to Consider

Asking the right questions is crucial for gathering necessary information. Here are three specific inquiries I would make:

  1. Can you tell me about your daily meals and any challenges you face when preparing food?
  2. How do you feel about your current health, and have you noticed any changes in your body, energy levels, or appetite since your diagnosis?
  3. What support do you have from family or friends in managing your health and treatment process?

Encouraging Proactivity in Caregivers

Promoting a proactive approach to health management among caregivers is essential for the patient’s well-being. Two strategies I would suggest include:

  • Providing educational materials that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, ensuring the caregivers understand the importance of nutrition and physical activity in cancer recovery.
  • Encouraging regular follow-up appointments and creating a support system that includes family members, which can foster an environment where caregivers feel empowered to seek help and ask questions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the health challenges facing a 75-year-old non-English speaking female diagnosed with breast cancer are multifaceted. Effective communication and cultural competency are essential for understanding her health risks and addressing them in an informed manner. By gathering comprehensive information regarding her health status, dietary habits, and social support, healthcare professionals can provide tailored interventions to enhance her health outcomes. Additionally, engaging caregivers through educational initiatives can foster proactive management of her health, ultimately improving her quality of life during this challenging time.

References

  • Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2019). Seidel's guide to physical examination: An interprofessional approach (9th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
  • Chaudhry, M. A. I., & Nisar, A. (2017). Escalating health care cost due to unnecessary diagnostic testing. Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering and Technology, (3), 569.
  • Dains, J. E., Baumann, L. C., & Scheibel, P. (2019). Advanced health assessment and clinical diagnosis in primary care (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
  • Gibbs, H., & Chapman-Novakofski, K. (2012). Exploring nutrition literacy: Attention to assessment and the skills clients need. Health, 4(3), 120–124.
  • Martin, B. C., Dalton, W. T., Williams, S. L., Slawson, D. L., Dunn, M. S., & Johns-Wommack, R. (2014). Weight status misperception as related to selected health risk behaviors among middle school students. Journal of School Health, 84(2), 116–123.
  • Noble, H., & Smith, J. (2015). Issues of validity and reliability in qualitative research. Evidence Based Nursing, 18(2), 34–35.
  • Seidel, H. M., Ball, J. W., Dains, J. E., Flynn, J. A., Solomon, B. S., & Stewart, R. W. (2011). History subjective data checklist. In Mosby’s guide to physical examination (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby.
  • Sullivan, D. D. (2019). Guide to clinical documentation (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: F. A. Davis.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Childhood overweight and obesity. Retrieved from [CDC website link].

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